December 29, 2020
As a Septuagenarian I have more time to think about a lot of memories. It refers to all categories of experiences but the ones that stick out the most relate to travel. Gosh. I wish I had kept a diary. About all kinds of events but particularly my travels.
To reinforce that feeling, we took a trip to Kenya when we were in our early 50’s. After about three day of information overload—things I wanted to remember, I started making trip notes—stuff to remember, if you will.
Paper was scare where we were staying so notes were made on anything that resembled paper like the inside of a cereal box or the back of a laundry list. (Planning is everything.)
Daytime notes were on scraps of paper we accumulated or begged, borrowed or stole, and they were transferred to a more formal format at night. Today, I would probably keep the daytime notes on my cellphone.
In the end, with notes on all sort of products and materials, we ended with 19 typewritten single-spaced notes.
I have read them many times and enjoy each time I did so. There is nothing like reliving good times.
The notes are included here for you to decide if you want to spend your valuable time reading my sometimes corny, “Kenya Chronicles.”
If you are interested in Africa, animas, safaris, trivia or idiosyncrasies of humans, you will likely find the chronicles interesting. You’ll know after a few paragraphs. But for me it is very interesting how little effort it took to have this wonderful experience available to relive at any time. It really multiplies the value of the trip several times over.
So, back to the major subject urging you to keep a diary. It doesn’t have to be in minute detail but should highlight key events of your past as the years fly by. Simple entries like “Visited Metropolis and was amazed at the beauty of the flowers and shrubs along the roadway as the driver twisted and turned along the mountainous approach to the city.” Believe me, something that simple can bring back a vast memory of your inaugural trip there.
Then, when you get to my age, you’ll appreciate that you maintained a diary, regardless of when you started the practice. So, for those who are still with me, that is the suggestion du jour.
And as you will sense if you read the Chronicles, these random thoughts summarize one of the most exciting two-week periods of my life.
Enjoy!
P.S. The Chronicles are at the end of the blog section because of their length.